Exploring home rehabilitation therapists’ experiences of supporting older persons to physical exercise after acute hospitalization: a qualitative interview study

Abstract

Aim: The aim of this study was to explore home rehabilitation therapists’ experiences of supporting physical exercise after acute hospitalization, including exercise programs initiated during hospital stay. Findings: The participants experienced that they were striving for individualized support to physical exercise, although limited resources and a fragmented home care risk to direct support away from those who need it the most. Message: Transitional care interventions need to be individualized, support motivation for exercise during hospitalization, and be adapted to the patient’s situation at home, as well as involve relevant stakeholder in the design and implementation.